Upshire Church Teas Ride 2

Sunday, 1 August 2010 - 12:01pm

Another chance to sample the excellent tea at Upshire church. Lots of traffic free sections up the Lee valley and then across Epping Forest. About 35 miles but lots of drop out points. Very leisurely so a good full day out for beginners. Meet at 9.30am on top of the Green Bridge, Mile End Park or 10.30am at Springfield Marina café. Contact Gail 07900 056359.

Ride difficulty:

Easy/Moderate

Ride distance:

30 miles

Ride report:

17 people joined the ride (3 at Springfield Marina) We made good time up the Lea Valley to Enfield, where we broke off the canal and went up the steep Daws Hill and then a steady down hill to Chingford for a lovely lunch at Cafe Delice (Baguettes, toasties, salads) Then we set off through Epping Forest (a long section of which has recently been resurfaced, which made the ride quite a bit easier. One person had to walk a short distance on a farm road as they had narrow tyres, but joined the rest of the group shortly.

Tea at St Thomas church was much enjoyed, with people tucking in to cream scones, an array of cakes, cookies and desserts. There was also a table selling books, pot plants, toys, etc. Once everyone was refreshed, we set off for Waltham Cross station where one person got the train back to Liverpool St (the timing was perfect - the train arrived about 5 min after we did!). Everyone else then set off back down the Lea Valley back to Victoria Park. We were very lucky, as there was no wind (no head or tail wind, unusual in the valley!).

There were no major casualties - one chain came off, which was sorted out quickly, and 1 puncture on the return trip down the valley.

Please note that for train assisted rides we often cannot publish times until about 2 weeks beforehand because of the need to check engineering works. Also sometimes our ride leaders do have to change dates/times/routes at reasonably short notice. Generally this website will be up to date and also details will be sent out to our email groups, but if in doubt contact the ride leader or our rides co-ordinator to check arrangements.

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